Escaping the Concrete Jungle: To Days in the Mallee
by Felicity McSwain
As the semester was winding down, I found myself really needing a breather. I’d been in full city-mode, juggling uni and the student clinic, and I just wanted a chance to step away for a bit, get out of Melbourne and into some open space. Plus, I’d been feeling super keen to see more Osteos in action, outside the uni setting. So when mid-semester break rolled around, it felt like perfect timing to head up to the Mallee and spend a couple of days with the team at Central Mallee Health.
First stop was Cohuna on Thursday, where I met Taylor and Maddie. They were out there as part of their outreach program, and straight away, I felt so welcomed. The vibe was warm, relaxed, and full of energy. I spent the whole day shadowing them, watching consults, chatting in between, even jumping in for some hands-on stuff. What I loved most was how open they both were, not just about clinic work, but their personal journeys, what they’re passionate about, and how they’ve shaped their own careers in Osteo.
They were flat out all day but still took the time to answer my questions and chat through what they were doing and why. I saw such a range of patients, with all kinds of stories, and no two treatments were the same. Afterwards, we’d debrief and they’d walk me through their clinical thinking, which really helped me connect the dots.
At lunch, we wandered down to the local bakery (classic country town move), and even that turned into a learning moment. The conversation just kept flowing about work, life, study, and it honestly made the whole experience feel so genuine.
That night, I hitched a ride back to Swan Hill with Maddie. We chatted the whole way about the future of Osteo, what clinic life is really like, and just life in general. I was so grateful to have a place to stay just down the road from the clinic, ready for another big day.
Friday kicked off early, and this time I was with Jess. She was incredible to watch—her ability to connect with patients of all ages, and adapt to whatever walked through the door, was so inspiring. One of the biggest highlights for me was getting to treat Maddie. It was the first time I’d done something like that outside uni, and she gave such thoughtful, helpful feedback. I left that session buzzing.
In just two days, I learned so much more than I expected. Seeing such a broad mix of patients, and hearing real-time reflections from experienced Osteos, helped expand my clinical thinking in a way that just doesn’t happen as easily in a uni setting. But beyond that, what really hit me was how personal everything felt. The team didn’t just treat symptoms; they really saw the person, took their time, and made them feel cared for.
The whole experience was eye-opening. Rural practice has such a different rhythm. It’s slower in the best way, and really grounded in community. I’d absolutely recommend spending time with the Central Mallee team if you ever get the chance.
To Taylor, Maddie, Jess, Lou, and everyone at the clinic—thank you so much for making me feel part of the team, for sharing your knowledge, and for being so generous with your time. I honestly walked away feeling more confident, more inspired, and more excited for what’s ahead.
This trip reminded me how much there still is to learn and that’s actually the most exciting part. I’m only just getting started, but this experience made me even more sure I’m on the right path.